Property Type

Accommodates

Bedrooms

We have a newer home built on 2012. It is an open floor plan with plenty of space in the kitchen and living room. We are on the edge of town, so traffic is almost zero. Although on the edge of town, we are only 10 minutes to the interstate, with everything in between (restaurants, gas stations, theatre, shopping, aquatic zoo water park, and much more).

Room type

Private room

Property Type

House

Accommodates

3

Bedrooms

We are tent camping or self contained rv/camper only. We have portapotty's and hand washing stations for guests. No showers no electricity. Campsites will accommodate up to 4 people in the group. 30 spots available. Outdoor Lazer Tag, Climbing wall and paddle boats will be included in your stay. They Can be used anytime during facility open hours. All we are providing is the land to stay on. We have a community grill and Fire pit campers are welcome to use.

We have outdoor lazer tag in the woods, 24 foot climbing wall and paddle boats. We host overnight parties as well as birthday parties and other events.

Room type

Entire home/apt

Property Type

Tent

Accommodates

16

Bedrooms

The Gowler Lodge is a mid century brick ranch home set on the 90 acre nature preserve section of Farraway Farm in picturesque Southern Illinois. The lodge has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1 half bath and is perfect for families, writers, hunters, etc.

The Gowler Lodge has been part of Farraway Farm's property for over 60 years. My grandfather had always rented the house. We now welcome Airbnb travelers to take in and enjoy it's recent upgrades. The Gowler is fresh for all to enjoy.
Be sure to note the SolaTubes that bring natural sunlight into the living room.

According to the 2003 census, there were 785 people, 283 households, and 223 families residing in the village of Bluford, IL.
The Gowler House is situated just before the iconic blue Bluford water tower. Up the road and on the left is Farraway Farm, our family's historic cow farm which currently is home to Black Angus cattle and 2 horses.
Further up the road is a convenient store run by an outsider named Vick. He carries all the tobacco and alcohol products one should ever need.

We wanted to visit Shawnee National Forest, which was an hour and a half away from the Gowler Lodge and needed a place to stay the night. Boy, were we in for a surprise! We love the area. It was calm and peaceful. Just what we expected! The house was lovely! The interior was lovely and felt very cozy. It really does feel like home away from home! The host, Elizabeth, gave us a warm welcome and was very helpful. We would definitely come here again if we pass through this area!

Boon Guang2015-05-27T00:00:00Z

We loved this place and felt both at home and like we were on vacation - the best of both worlds. The house is lovely, of the well- made ranch style. Spacious, with nice living areas, is is set back on a nice hill with surrounding lawns sprinkled with nice old trees. The house was very clean and not only appointed with appliances and accoutrements that we needed but some basic food items that we could use. It had many towels and the second night we were there we were joined by our son and his friend. We had plenty of room and privacy. We were there for a reunion and loved driving the backroads. I went on a run each morning on the road, encountering very little traffic.

Larry2015-10-12T00:00:00Z

The house was beautiful and the surroundings were peaceful. My husband and I wanted a quiet get away spot for our anniversary and this was exactly what we hoped for! There are sights to see and a lot of good places to eat some delicious food. There is a TV that we used only a couple times and we loved the tube lights in the living room. My husband and I were able to bring our English setter with us and she enjoyed herself with walks to the pond and all the little critters that visited the yard on a regular basis. There a was a turkey family that walked through every morning and many squirrels who liked to play and move around the yard. The kitchen is functional but very light on pots and pans so if you plan to cook just bring along some things from home. There is a working dishwasher which made the clean up easier. Overall we loved this house and may come back again someday. It was a vacation we will never forget!

Leona2015-08-24T00:00:00Z

Location offers such a tranquil feeling. Close enough to town to dine out or shop. Then return and enjoy peaceful wildlife, we had a yard full of turkeys, caught a few fish and geese in the pond. Enjoyed a bonfire and fireplace. I could just relax here for days without leaving. All household items were supplied. Would defiantly recommend for a great alternative to motels near by. So much more bang for your buck

Connie2017-03-07T00:00:00Z

Lovely accommodation, great location, very quiet. The spectacle of fireflies were very enjoyable to watch. Elizabeth very concerned about our well-being. Was concerned given the bad weather! Too bad we did not see Michael to visit the farm, but we saw the animals.

Nathalie2015-06-22T00:00:00Z

The house is really big and nice. We stayed there for three nights and really enjoyed it. There is a TV in the house and we connected our laptop to it to play some videos. The internet connection is surprisingly good. Five of us were using the internet at the same time and we had no trouble with it. There is a walmart 20 min away, so it is really convenient to quickly do some grocery shopping. There is also a state park 30 min away and we went there to do some hiking.

Jinren2015-11-27T00:00:00Z

Really great!

Caleb2016-06-27T00:00:00Z

The house was just like the pictures. The farm that this house is on is amazing. I will definitely stay again.

Enjoy two fully stocked fishing ponds. Enjoy the barn and play in hay loft or horse stalls. Hiking trails throughout the 230 acres of fields and creeks. Large living room, with fireplace. Large screened back porch and very large back deck with lawn chairs, umbrellas and tables. Front porch swing with observation deck above front porch. Kitchen fully equipped with electric stove/oven, Microwave, toaster, blender, all utensils, drinking and wine glasses provided.

The farm provides solitude while still offering necessary amenities in the house.

Bill is a super host. The home is beautiful , quiet and clean.

Tim2017-03-23T00:00:00Z

The property and accommodations are exactly as described in the text and photos. Although we never met Bill in person, he was a considerate and responsive host. We communicated via text and cell phone about a problem with the furnace and he quickly had it working order again. The house is clean and nicely decorated well. The kitchen is fully equipped with utensils, appliances, silverware, cups, glasses, plates, and even disposable items (plates, cups, bowls, etc). After five nights and six days there ... it truly felt like our home away from home. None of us wanted to leave! The property is beautiful and isolated in a very rural setting. A gravel road runs close to the front of the house and my only caution to others would be to watch small children and pets that might wander into the roadway. Traffic was VERY light and infrequent .... but a few times a day some one would drive by seemingly late for work or in a hurry home. I don't think I can remember any traffic on the road after dark. I highly recommend Bill and his farm to anyone wanting a retreat to country life on a beautiful property. I'm already trying to plan my next visit!

Earl2017-03-20T00:00:00Z

Our group of 11 had a wonderful stay. We had an incredible time hiking, exploring the grounds, and fishing. Each Scout caught so many fish they became pro at taking off and releasing their own fish. (Nearly every second cast yielded a fish). A mastered life skill and many more unique experiences made our stay memorable. Thank you for offering your family's centennial farm, we loved our weekend.

Tara2017-04-02T00:00:00Z

Bill was more them willing to accommodate my group even when we were using his location as a one night stop as part of a longer trip we were taking. We stayed one night on the way to our destination in Tennessee and then stayed one night on the way back. He was easy to work with even when the number of people who were coming kept changing. As far as the farm and land goes I can only say it was perfect for my group. We sent most of our time outside enjoying an evening of grilling, socializing around the fire and listening to the night sounds of the country. We had 9 people staying on our way back and there was room to spare. I was worried we would have problems with one bathroom but it turned out to not be an issue. You get very good value for the money and I would highly recommend this location to small and large groups that love the quiet and seclusion of the country.

Cindy2017-05-10T00:00:00Z

Lovely old home designed for groups.

Erin2016-07-01T00:00:00Z

Flannel sheets and farmhouse charm ...... we met our daughter who lives in Chicago for Christmas at the farm. My husband went bird hunting and we shopped and cooked! The house is a four generation farm with exposed brick walls and a swing on the front porch. Bill, our host had provided a couple of bottles of wine and plentry of wood for the fireplace. We brought our dogs and the farm house provided the perfect enclosed porch for them to hang out plus plenty of room for morning walks on the 200 acre property. Bill had a Christmas tree and other decorations to make our holiday perfect! We hope to return in late February ...

Donna2016-12-26T00:00:00Z

We came down to hunt turkeys on our nearby property and fish for crappie in Rend Lake. While the weather put a bit of a damper on our plans, our stay was awesome. Bill was a great host, arranging our trip before we got there and then calling the same night to make sure we found the place and to see if there was anything else he could do. The fishing ponds were really neat, the property was beautiful, and the house itself was perfect for our group. Multiple showers, four separate bedrooms, a nicely appointed kitchen, and satellite TV. I would love to stay here again!!

Nicholas2017-04-30T00:00:00Z

Bill is a great host and very accommodating. He is truly concerned with your well-being and committed to your satisfaction. Pack lightly the home is well stocked with essentials. The home is so much nicer than depicted in the photos. A very nostalgic home and setting makes you feel like part of the family legacy. Spend early sunny mornings on the porch swing and evenings by the light of the fire pit. The house has been so well cared for, we appreciate the hard work and labor of love that goes into it. There is so much to see and observe such as wildlife, plants, the ponds, hills, creek, and fields...you can find many places to relax and enjoy. The drive to Benton and Mcleansboro are easy where you can get everything you need should you forget something, want a bite to eat, visit some antique stores, or take a ride in the beautiful countryside. The fishing holes are well stocked with large crappie and bass for hours of relaxation. This vacation memory will last forever. My wife and all the boys love it so much and are trying to plan our next visit. Thank you Bill, everything is perfect.

Scott2017-04-15T00:00:00Z

Room type

Entire home/apt

Property Type

House

Accommodates

13

Bedrooms

This property, located on Lake Centralia, offers a relaxing lake front experience that's perfect for a couple's get away to hosting large families. If you are looking for a relaxing stay nestled in the woods or are into fun on the water, this property has everything you're looking for.

Escape to quiet Turtle Cove on Lake Centralia where you will be able to relax, recharge, while having fun with your friends and family. This expanded modular home offers a full kitchen, dining room, three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, with a large addition that could be just for the kids which has two futon sleepers, satellite TV, with the half bath. The living room and large addition both offer expansive views of quiet and inviting waters of Turtle Cove.
While the inside is comfortable and cozy you'll definitely want to spend most of your time outdoors. Starting with the covered lanai/covered deck which offers a bar area with seating for up to 10, which is a great place to enjoy your morning coffee while you're planning your events of the day.
The adjacent concrete patio is an ideal place for serving your outdoor meals while doubling as a great central location for your groups activities. The provided patio set offers comfortable seating for six but offers rail seating on the perimeter for up to 20. There is also a electrical outlet if you need to power any outdoor speakers or appliances.
Just next to the patio is a very inviting fire pit which offers a large expanded metal grill in addition to a swiveling stainless steel surface that's perfect for searing. We will provide the roasting sticks and enough firewood to last your entire stay.

Mary was great to work with. The property was perfect for our 12 person guys weekend.

Michael2017-04-30T00:00:00Z

Our time there was so nice and we will definitely try to come back. Mary was gracious and responsive to any of our questions. My boyfriend and I had such a wonderful time fishing, grilling n' making s'mores by the fire, taking our small inflatable boat out on the water and taking in the views on the porch swing. We wanted to stay longer but the two nights was enough to leave us happy and with some really awesome memories. We popped over into town about 20 min away to grab a couple ribeyes from the local Dan's Meat Market. They were very friendly and the steaks came out great on the fire pit. FYI they did cook up much quicker than they do on my charcoal grill at home. And to walmart to pick up our fishing licenses and live bait. Just a heads up to folks that don't live in Illinois-it'll cost you $35 per license. Overall it was a 10/10 experience. Thanks Mary so much!

Pauline2017-05-07T00:00:00Z

We absolutely loved our stay at Turtle Cove Lakehouse. All the amenities were spot on and no joke, it's far bigger than the photos suggest! The fire pit, nature watching, outdoor dining, and modern amenities all made for an exceptional stay. Would happily stay there again!

Chien-An2016-05-30T00:00:00Z

Mary and Larry were both amazing hosts! They were flexible and helpful! The house is large and very comfortable with everything you could need! Outside is just as good with amazing views in a relatively private cove and tons of things to do! From the raft to the hammock we never got bored! We loved our stay and plan to be back!

Abigail2016-07-11T00:00:00Z

This home is quiet and secluded - lots of fun summer ideas and relaxing during the winter. Mary is a great hostess and very good to communicate with!

Mikki2016-12-31T00:00:00Z

The house is right on the water. With two docks and a small sandy beach. The water at the beach is very slimy on the bottom of the lake. We would definitely stay at the house again it was worth the money.

Peter2016-09-05T00:00:00Z

Mary made our stay easy and we felt very welcomed, though we never met, we texted and she made access to the home easy. The main part of town is a short 10 minute drive away, and we used the WalMart for anything we forgot, a few places to eat as well. The area around the home is quiet, spacious, and nestled in the trees. The home was exactly as listed, but believe me it is bigger that you would think! I was here with only my girlfriend but it would easily handle a lot more comfortably. We really didn't have time to cook, but we had a lovely bon fire and there is ample firewood and seating. The location is wonderfully right next to their own private piece of lake, great for fishing or boating. The home is located about 90 minutes to Shawnee National forest, and about an hour to St. Louis. It was a great place to stay, relax and unwind. Great water pressure and quick hot water, easy to heat and control the temperature. Would love to come back to the Turtle Cove Lakehouse, an unbelievable value.

Tim2016-04-01T00:00:00Z

This lake house is great. I had a lot of fun fishing and grilling. It is a great place to get away and relax!

Wonderful lake house. Perfect for entertaining our grandchildren. Lovely home complete with game room. Beds were very comfortable. Fully equipped kitchen. Nice deck with gas grill and picnic table for outside dining. We enjoyed coffee on the deck each morning and the fire pit in the evening. Hosts were amazing, extremely accommodating and excellent communication. Highly recommend this property.

Kathy2017-04-17T00:00:00Z

We couldn't have asked for anything more, clean ,comfortable space with everything you can think of available for a great stay.We are looking forward to our next visit , hopefully a longer stay.

Jeff2017-05-14T00:00:00Z

The amenities of the house... the great quiet location... and the comforts all contributed to an immensely enjoyable trip!

Room type

Property Type

Accommodates

Bedrooms

This lakefront home is centrally located in Southern Illinois on Lake Centralia. This home has approx. 2300sqft with 3 bedrooms 2 full baths, great room w/ tongue & groove cathedral ceilings providing beautiful lake views. The spacious kitchen has a large island w/ solid surface countertops & bar area. Tucked away in cove is the private beach area with dock perfect for fishing or rafting. You will love the relaxing feel of lake living!

This home was designed for lake living! The concrete floor in the downstairs was made for bare feet, kids, and furry friends.
House can accommodate more than 6 people if need be.
Available for weekend, weekly, and monthly rentals.

Room type

Entire home/apt

Property Type

House

Accommodates

8

Bedrooms

Come enjoy our cozy Benton Lake cabin, conveniently located 3 minutes from Interstate 57 & State Highway 154 - The cabin is fully furnished with 2 bedrooms, one with a king size bed, the other with a queen. Relax & enjoy a large covered deck that overlooks the lake. Or, feel free to take the paddle boat and kayaks onto the lake. If you wish to launch your own boat, this lake offers a public launch and the cabin has it's own boat dock. Power boats, waterskiis & jet skiis are allowed on the lake.
While you are waiting for the 100% eclipse at THIS location, you may want to walk around the lake or go antique hunting in downtown Benton which is 5 miles away. Rend Lake Golf Course is 3 miles & also is Rend Lake, a state recreation area with 162 miles of shoreline, available for a variety of water sports and a designated bird-watching area. The City of Benton, offers many dining options & it's great for antique hunters. Larger cities are Mt Vernon, 18 mi north & Marion 28 mi south. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Staying in the Yurts at Camp Manitowa was easily one of the best parts of our whole trip. The yurts were nice and warmed up for us before we got there, and we got to enjoy all the camp grounds including the lake the next day. Highly recommend staying here!

Paula2017-03-12T00:00:00Z

If you are looking for a fun camp you will find what you are looking for her. We played hotshots, walked to a lake, the kids played on slack lines it was just great!

Monika2017-04-07T00:00:00Z

Note that there are no essentials at this place - this means that there is no bedding or towels. This surprised us, but we should have expected it since the listing included "no essentials". Otherwise, it was a warm place to stay with mediocre beds. We also found it odd that the dorm rooms only locked from the outside of the room and that the dorm building, which we stayed in, didn't lock at all.

Katrina2017-01-02T00:00:00Z

Camp manitowa was amazing. Not sure if our pets had more fun then us , but from the kayaks to the wood burning stove to the open play space, this location is a real treat for families, children at heart and nature lovers.

Claire2017-03-20T00:00:00Z

Our yurt spirit came to life here at lady camp ! This stay was great for campfires , cooking , winery, hiked and canoeing . We had so much fun cooking on the cast iron stove and camping in the yurts . This is a great place for family and friends we will be back !️ bring a crock pot for easy meals

Claire2017-03-19T00:00:00Z

Room type

Shared room

Property Type

Yurt

Accommodates

8

Bedrooms

Very nice 3 bedroom trailer completely furnished 2 miles from rendlake beach marine and boat dock. The home is located out in country picnic table grill and nice quit place to enjoy your stay or be loud and have a good time. There is horse back riding at Wayne Fitzgerald state park about 5 minutes from here.

Room type

Property Type

Accommodates

Bedrooms

My place is close to It is about a 25 minute drive to Rend Lake and all of its activities. It is about 30 minutes to Marion or Mt. Vernon. It is only a few miles outside of Benton. There are many different dining and nightlife options in town.. You’ll love my place because of the high ceilings, the location, and the ambiance. My place is good for couples, business travelers, families (with kids), and big groups.

The kitchen and living room is an open floor plan. The master bedroom is on the north end of the house and attached is the master bathroom. The other two bedrooms and the other bathroom is on the south end of the house. The kitchen/living room area is between the master and the other bedrooms.